Violence Erupts in Bangladesh as Protesters Set Bus Ablaze, Driver Dies
Protests in Bangladesh escalate with violent incidents, including a bus fire that led to a drivers death, raising concerns about safety.
Dhaka, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Protests in Bangladesh have intensified, leading to violent incidents across approximately 21 districts. From Monday night to Tuesday afternoon, reports of arson surfaced, with buses and train coaches set on fire. Government offices and educational institutions were also closed, local media reported.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, a bus was torched late Monday night in the Golachamat area of Faridpur city. Police stated that three individuals arrived on a motorcycle; one of them poured petrol on the bus and ignited it.
At the time of the incident, the bus driver, Mohammad Kalachand, was asleep inside. He managed to escape but fell ill due to smoke inhalation. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Kalachand was a resident of Dignagar village in the Mukshidpur sub-district of Gopalganj.
Authorities suspect that the violent protesters may be linked to the Awami League party, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police noted that the uptick in violence coincided with Hasina’s announcement of her return to Bangladesh. However, officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its early stages.
In response, the Awami League dismissed these allegations. Party spokesperson Mohammad Ali Arafat claimed that rival factions are orchestrating these events to tarnish the party’s reputation and blame it for the attacks.
News agency BSS reported that data from Bangladesh police and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) indicated that 22 vehicles were set ablaze in 11 districts over the past 24 hours. Additionally, at least 28 homemade bomb explosions occurred in Dhaka and six other districts.
The capital has continued to witness bomb blasts and arson. Police reported multiple explosions at various locations on Monday, including the Teacher-Student Center at Dhaka University, court premises, educational institutions, and busy intersections.
On Monday evening, a bus was set on fire beneath the Farmgate metro rail station, while separate explosions occurred in areas such as Banashree, Shyampur, and Mirpur.
These incidents followed a series of bomb blasts on Sunday near the Dhaka University campus, close to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, and police stations.
Authorities have arrested several suspects in connection with some of the attacks and recovered unexploded bombs and materials likely intended for future incidents.
However, investigators have yet to determine whether all these attacks are interconnected or orchestrated by a single group.
Tensions escalated in Gopalganj’s Tungipara on Tuesday morning. Around 9:30 AM, activists from the banned student league set fire to goods and blocked the road at Gohardanga Chaurangi intersection. Later, members of the Awami League and Jubo League joined them.
As protesters marched towards Patgati market, they reportedly destroyed several banners and decorative boards outside a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) office.
When police attempted to disperse the crowd, clashes broke out, resulting in injuries to at least ten individuals. Officer Ayub Ali from Tungipara police station confirmed that several police personnel were also injured. Protesters allegedly vandalized a police vehicle and set it on fire.
Tensions remain high as the situation continues to unfold.
